Medieval Sheela-na-gigs Reclaimed as Feminist Symbols in Contemporary Art

Stone carvings known as Sheela-na-gigs, depicting women exposing their genitalia, date from the 11th to 14th centuries and are found primarily in Ireland, England, and Scotland. Their origins and name remain mysterious, with possible translations including 'The old hag of the Breasts' suggested by Irish archaeologist Eamonn Kelly. While some historians interpret them as warnings against lust in Christian churches, others see pre-Christian pagan roots or protective symbols to ward off evil. Their survival is partly due to Irish farmers who protected them from removal by priests. In 2021, the online feminist initiative ProjectSheela placed contemporary ceramic versions in Dublin, including at a former Magdalene Laundry site that closed in 1996, to commemorate historical abuse and reclaim the imagery for female empowerment. Feminist artist Nancy Spero incorporated a Sheela-na-gig into her 1991 print series, using bold colors to subvert the male gaze. These carvings are now viewed as rare positive depictions of women's sexuality in medieval art and have been adopted by modern movements to challenge patriarchal structures.